Obituary of Arthur Ingram Griffith

January 5, 1936 – Calgary, Alberta

November 28, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Arthur Ingram Griffith of Calgary, AB, on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the age of 88 years.

Art grew up on the family farm near Balzac, AB, where he developed a deep connection to the land and farming traditions that spanned generations. He attended Glenville one-room schoolhouse, Crescent Heights High School, and later graduated from Olds College.

He was incredibly proud of his farm, which had been passed down through the generations since the early 1900s. A lifelong lover of agriculture, Art’s passion for farming was evident in everything he did. His love for John Deere ran deep, and his fondness for the harvest season, particularly driving the combine, remained strong into his 80s.

Art was a proud volunteer at the Calgary Stampede for 26 years, where he served on several committees, including 4-H on Parade, Seed and Hay, Ag Education, International Junior Livestock and Aggie Days. He made significant contributions to 4-H, serving on both the Provincial Council and the Foundation Board. He was the chairman of the Alberta 4-H 75th Anniversary Celebration and was deeply involved in the Balzac 4-H Beef Club, where he served as both a leader and a member. Art dedicated countless hours to supporting youth and agricultural education.

Art had a love for competitive curling and golf. He also cherished the family tradition of downhill skiing, particularly with his sister Elaine’s family. A true lover of good food, he was especially fond of sweets and ice cream, particularly when topped with homemade chocolate sauce.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Newport Harbour Care Centre, who cared for Art during the final four years of his life.

Art will be lovingly remembered by his children, Jamie (Laura), Leanne, and Kari (Rees); his grandchildren, McKenzie, Mathias, Chance, and Kirsten; as well as his step-grandchildren, Casey (Riley), Sam, Cassidy, Josh, and Dawson; and his step-great-grandchildren, Taydee, Hayzen, and Bexten.

Art was predeceased by his beloved wife Lois, his parents, Meredith and Ethel (nee Barker); his sisters, Elsie Kilgour and Elaine Whitaker; and his brother-in-law Ed Whitaker.

A Celebration of Art’s Life will be held at the Balzac Community Hall Association (10075, AB-566, Balzac, AB) on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Art’s legacy of dedication to family, agriculture, and community service will be remembered with love and admiration by all who knew him.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Art’s memory may be made directly to two organizations that were close to his heart: the Calgary Stampede Foundation, 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 2W1, Telephone: 403-261-9130, www.corporate.calgarystampede.com/foundation or the 4-H Foundation of Alberta, 4-H Alberta Centre, ℅ Development Team, RR 1, Site 7, Box 10, Westerose, AB T0C 2V0, Telephone: 587-583-3152, www.4hab.com. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Art’s family here.

In living memory of Art Griffith, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-299-0111.